Six FSB Agents Arrested for Arson in Ukraine
Six agents of the FSB, involved in arson targeting military vehicles, relay cabinets of Ukrzaliznytsia, and postal offices across various regions of Ukraine, have been apprehended by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police, reports 24brussels.
According to SBU press services, all suspects were recruited by Russian intelligence via Telegram channels, lured by promises of easy earnings.
In the Kyiv region, SBU cyber specialists captured a 33-year-old IDP from Luhansk who set fire to a minivan and a crossover belonging to Ukrainian military personnel. Meanwhile, in Ternopil, a 19-year-old unemployed individual from the Chortkiv district was caught after destroying a relay cabinet on a railway and preparing an attack against defense forces. The SBU apprehended him during his purchase of components to create an improvised explosive device at his home.
In the Sumy region, a 19-year-old resident of Shostka was detained for setting ablaze two SUVs belonging to the armed forces and attempting to destroy another service vehicle. A 22-year-old resident of the Tyachiv district in Zakarpattia was arrested for setting fire to a postal office, resulting in a blaze at a relay cabinet of the local Ukrzaliznytsia branch.
In Odesa, a 13-year-old schoolgirl and her mother were uncovered for burning a relay cabinet of Ukrzaliznytsia and an evacuation vehicle for defense forces on behalf of the FSB. During searches, law enforcement seized components for creating incendiary mixtures, as well as clothing and phones containing evidence of their crimes.
The suspects have been notified of suspicions regarding their crimes under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Part 2 of Article 113 (diversion committed under martial law);
- Part 1 of Article 14, Part 2 of Article 258 (preparation for a terrorist act);
- Part 1 of Article 114-1 (interference with the legal operation of the armed forces and other military formations during a special period);
- Part 2 of Article 194 (intentional damage to property by arson).
The criminals are currently in custody without the right to bail, facing life imprisonment with property confiscation. Authorities are considering charges against the minor involved in the Odessa case.
The SBU previously reported about a new tactic employed by Russian special services in recruiting Ukrainians, where occupiers pose as “SBU agents” and demand that individuals carry out criminal tasks purportedly “in the interest of the Ukrainian state.” The agency notes a recent increase in such recruitment cases by Russian operatives.
This approach represents a tactic of conducting operations “under false flags,” which Russian intelligence previously did not utilize but is now actively trying to implement.
In recent weeks, the SBU has thwarted several similar crimes and has urged Ukrainians to remain vigilant and not succumb to enemy provocations.
